2024 Project. HOW TO USE, AND MAINTAIN PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT IN THE WORKPLACE PPE TRAINING GUIDE WHAT’S PPE? WHY IS PPE IMPORTANT? 01 02 PPE stands for Personal Protective Equipment. It’s any gear worn by a worker to minimize exposure to hazards that can cause injuries or illnesses on the job. PPE is considered the last line of defense in workplace safety. The preferred approach is always to eliminate or engineer out the hazard first. PPE steps in when those higher-level controls aren't enough on their own. It protects against real, serious risks The consequences of not using it are severe 03 It's legally required 04 It protects against long-term, invisible harm WHO SHOULD USE IT PPE SHOULD BE USED BY ANYONE EXPOSED TO A WORKPLACE HAZARD THAT CAN'T BE FULLY CONTROLLED BY OTHER MEANS. Construction workers — exposed to falling objects, heights, dust, and noise Chemical and manufacturing workers — handling solvents, acids, gases, and heavy machinery Healthcare workers — at risk of biological and infectious hazards Electricians and utility workers — working near live circuits and arc flash hazards Welders and metalworkers — exposed to UV radiation, fumes, and molten splatter Laboratory technicians — handling chemicals, biological agents, and radiation Agricultural workers — exposed to pesticides, UV, and machinery Emergency responders — firefighters, hazmat teams, and paramedics Beyond frontline workers, supervisors and managers who enter hazardous areas, visitors and contractors on job sites, and even office workers in certain environments may also need PPE depending on the situation. Eye & Face Protection Safety glasses, goggles, face shields, welding helmets, and laser safety eyewear protect against particles, chemicals, radiation, and arc flash. 02 Respiratory Protection Disposable masks, half-face and full-face respirators, PAPRs, SARs, and SCBAs protect against dusts, fumes, gases, vapors, and oxygen-deficient atmospheres. 03 Head Protection Hard hats, bump caps, and helmets protect against falling objects, impacts, and electrical hazards. 01 Foot & Leg Protection Steel-toed boots, puncture-resistant footwear, electrical hazard boots, chemical-resistant footwear, and metatarsal guards protect against impact, compression, puncture, and chemical exposure. 07 Hearing Protection Foam earplugs, reusable earplugs, earmuffs, and electronic earmuffs protect against noise-induced hearing loss. 04 Hand & Arm Protection Cut-resistant, chemical-resistant, heat- resistant, impact-resistant, electrical insulating, and cryogenic gloves, each designed for a specific hazard type. 05 Body & Skin Protection Coveralls, chemical suits, hi-visibility vests, arc flash clothing, welding jackets, and aprons protect the torso and limbs from chemical, thermal, mechanical, and visibility hazards. 06 TYPES OF PPE ADDITIONAL SPECIALIZED CATEGORIES Fall Protection Full-body harnesses, lanyards, self- retracting lifelines, and anchor systems 01 Hand & Arm Protection Barrier creams and UV-protective clothing 02 High-Visibility/Hi-Vis Clothing Sometimes treated as its own category, separate from general body protection 03 Radiation Protection Lead aprons, dosimeters, and shielded suits for nuclear and X-ray environments 04